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UBC Theses and Dissertations

What should be done to decrease the incidence of human salmonellosis in Canada? Ross, Andrew Francis

Abstract

The thesis is concerned with what should be done to decrease the incidence of human salmonellosis in Canada. The present high incidence of Salmonella contaminated poultry is reviewed and evidence is given that links Salmonella contaminated poultry carcasses at the retail level to human salmonellosis. The question is raised as to whether control or eradication should be the goal in Canada, and present regulations involving various levels of Governments are examined. The incidence of Salmonella contaminated poultry in some other countries is reviewed, together with some of the Salmonella control programmes that have been instituted by these countries. Finally, certain recommendations are made, as to what could be done in Canada to decrease the incidence of human salmonellosis. These recommendations stress the need for further research to develop ways of decreasing the incidence of Salmonella contaminated poultry at the retail level. The colonization of the gut of day-old chickens with the intestinal flora of adult chickens is a method that shows promise. The use of radiation and chlorination of the poultry carcasses would also help to reduce the incidence of carcass contamination. If Canada is determined to reduce human salmonellosis, then steps must be taken to coordinate the many different branches of both the Federal and Provincial Governments, and regulations, when promulgated, must be enforced. Caterers and those cooking in their own homes must be educated on correct food handling practices and cooking techniques. Human salmonellosis will probably never be eradicated, but its present incidence could certainly be reduced.

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